Music
Motown Recording artist Kevin Ross set to re-release Black Lives Matter-Themed “Be Great” (feat. Chaz French) music video
Kevin Ross re-released the Black Lives Matter-inspired visuals for his uplifting single, “Be Great” (feat. Chaz French), on Friday, August 5
Kevin Ross released the Black Lives Matter-inspired visuals for his uplifting single, “Be Great” (feat. Chaz French), on Friday, August 5.
Healing through music
The recent tragic shootings in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Minneapolis and Orlando inspired Kevin to re-introduce “Be Great,” with the goal of offering healing through music and encouraging unity in this time where hate and divisiveness seem so prevalent in our society.
“Be Great” was originally released in March of this year, premiered on
Billboard, and was featured on the soundtrack of an episode of popular ABC drama, “Grey’s Anatomy”, which is how the song first garnered mainstream attention.
The original visuals for “Be Great” serve as an acknowledgement of the angst of
a generation frustrated by police brutality and racism that often leaves its members feeling invisible to the rest of the world.
Premise of Be Great Black Lives Matter
The subject of the video is a young Black man whose brother was killed by a group of overzealous police officers. While his mother and sister mourn with tears and the community gathers to stage yet another Black Lives Matter rally, the subject of the video’s pain manifests itself as rage. He decides to launch an attack against the police in order to exact revenge, but in a moment of clarity, he sees the humanity in the officers and realizes that violence is not the answer to the injustices he’s seeing in the world around him.
“Unfortunately, fear plays a huge role in the relationship between black families and the police,” says Kevin. “Fear creates hatred, misunderstanding, and ignorance within both entities. Everyone wants to go home to their families. That should always be the bottom line. No one should ever feel like they are being hunted.”
For Kevin Ross, who is passionate about social justice, though his video is an homage to the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement, the song is one about unifying all people and encouraging everyone to be their best selves.
Black Lives Matter
“Black Lives Matter is a necessary statement and a movement that needs to be heard,” says Kevin. “I think our country has gotten so desensitized to black lives being taken that it’s not news anymore. The truth is that we’re all children of God and any time a life is taken by any man, it’s terrible
and heartbreaking. I want my music to bring people of all races, religions, and sexual orientation together so we can wake up the world. Humanity needs love more than ever right now and what better way to deliver that message than through song.”
Culture
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces the Performance Line-up for St. Thomas Carnival Village Featuring Shaggy, Sizzla, Patrice Roberts, and Machel Montano
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals has announced the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.
72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
“The anticipation around this year’s St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory’s three carnivals,” exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.
Center Stage
Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike,” added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.
Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents.
First-time performers
Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.
Kids Night Out Village Night
This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.
More information on 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
For up-to-date information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.
Music
Marlena Shaw, legendary jazz singer, dies at 81
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw has passed away
Shaw’s daughter announced her passing on Facebook.
“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away,” Marla Bradshaw, her daughter, said. “She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Bradshaw did not specify the cause of death but said her mother’s passing was “peaceful”.
She was 81.
Music career
Marlena Shaw was a legendary musician who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco and R&B genres.
She rose to notoriety the 1960s after she was noticed by the Chess Records label. She sang her most recognizable single “California Soul” with the label before switching to a more jazz-focused label.
Shaw’s music transcended across many generations and has been featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials and other songs.
Her lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was racial divide in the country and its politics.
In her career, Shaw put out 17 albums.
Music
Chad Watson – “Though I Lie” (Music Video)
Rapper Chad Watson has released official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Rapper Chad Watson has released the official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Directed by Chad himself, the Los Angeles native strolls through various scenery in the area, while telling listeners though he may lie, he’s only human.
Watson was featured on Unheard Voices in 2022 and is continuing to make waves with his music.
Check out Though I Lie below:
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